Electronic apparatus having hub function

Abstract

A display apparatus includes a hub and one or a plurality of connectors. Electronic devices are connected to the connectors. A computer is electrically connected to the hub. The computer is connected to the display apparatus through the hub. Information is supplied from the computer to the electronic devices and from the electronic devices to the computer through the hub, thus avoiding the complexity of connecting devices when a USB is used.

1 . An electronic apparatus, comprising: 
 a main body;    a circuit in the main body functioning as a hub;    at least one first connector portion electrically connected to the circuit; and    an electronic device connected to the at least one first connector portion,    wherein a computer is connectable to the electronic apparatus through the circuit so that information from the computer is supplied to the electronic device and/or information from the electronic device is supplied to the computer.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein power is supplied from the circuit to the electronic device.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein power is supplied from the computer to the electronic device via the circuit.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the electronic apparatus is a display apparatus.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device has a second connector portion directly fixed thereto and the at least one first connector portion is integrally formed in the main body, the second connector portion being connected to the at least one first connector portion to directly attach the electronic device to the main body.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the at least one first connector portion is arranged on the main body so that the position of the electronic device attached thereto is desirable for the user of the electronic apparatus.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the electronic apparatus is a display apparatus.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the main body includes a display screen and a supporting member for supporting the display screen, the first connector portion being integrally mounted in the supporting member.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one first connector portion is arranged on the main body so that the position of the electronic device attached thereto is desirable for the user of the display apparatus.  
     
     
         10 . An apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the position desirable for the user is a position in which the electronic device faces the user.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the electronic device includes two elements as one set, and the electronic apparatus includes at least two first connector portions, the first connector portions being arranged so that the two elements of the electronic device are disposed at balanced positions on the left and right sides of the display apparatus with respect to the user.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the circuit and the at least one first connector portion are formed on the basis of the USB specification.  
     
     
         13 . An external apparatus, comprising: 
 an electronic apparatus having a main body, a circuit in the main body functioning as a hub, and at least one first connector portion electrically connected to the circuit;    an electronic device connected to the electronic apparatus; and    a computer connected to the electronic apparatus via the circuit for transmitting information to and receiving information from the electronic device.    
     
     
         14 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the electronic apparatus is a display apparatus.  
     
     
         15 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the electronic device has a second connector portion directly fixed thereto and the at least one first connector portion is integrally formed in the main body, the second connector portion being connected to the at least one first connector portion to directly attach the electronic device to the main body.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein the at least one first connector portion is arranged on the main body so that the position of the electronic device attached thereto is desirable for the user of the electronic apparatus.  
     
     
         17 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the circuit and the at least one first connector portion are formed on the basis of the USB specification.  
     
     
         18 . An electronic device capable of being attached to an electronic apparatus having a main body, a circuit in the main body functioning as a hub, and at least one first connector portion integrally formed in the main body and electrically connected to the circuit, the electronic device comprising: 
 a body;    an operating portion in the body; and    a second connector portion integrally fixed to the body and adapted for connection to the at least one first connector portion,    wherein the electronic device can be directly attached to the main body of the electronic apparatus and can transmit information to or receive information from a computer connected to the electronic apparatus through the circuit.    
     
     
         19 . A device according to  claim 18 , wherein the circuit, the at least one first connector portion and the second connector portion are formed on the basis of the USB specification.